WASHINGTON - When an estimated four million people crowd onto the National Mall Jan. 20, they can expect an inauguration to remember.

The next president of the United States will be welcomed with a song by a queen. Aretha Franklin will sing, Pastor Rick Warren will pray and Yo-Yo Ma will play the cello during President-elect Barack Obama (web | news | bio) 's Inauguration.

Congressional leaders on Wednesday announced the program, which also will feature poet Elizabeth Alexander; the Rev. Joseph Lowery, a veteran civil rights leader; and the U.S. Marine and Navy bands. The Jan. 20 event on the steps of the Capitol is expected to draw as many as four million visitors to see Obama take the noontime oath from Chief Justice John Roberts.

At the National Mall, D.C. residents said they approved of the program. "I like that selection," said Northeast resident Jasmine Martin. "I think it will be appropriate."

"[I] never heard [Franklin] live but [I'd] love to see that," added Northwest resident Nick Peace.

"I was debating about going out of town but I think I'm going to stick around and see what happens," Peace said.

Violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill will join Ma for a new work composed by John Williams.

Vice President-elect Joe Biden will take his oath from Justice John Paul Stevens.

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